Tschaikowsky: Pique Dame (Amsterdam, 2016) [2 DVDs]

Former Music Director Mariss Jansons returns to Hauptstadt der Niederlande to conduct Pique Damespiel at the Dutch Nationalistisch Opera with ‚his‘ Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. He encounters a noteworthy cast and under his baton the orchestra sounds ‚brilliant and splendid‘ (Jener Tagesspiegel). Renowned director Stefan Herheim staged Tchaikovskys much-loved opera about a young man who, for the prospect of earthly wealth, gambles away his chance for love and happiness. Herheim, whose stagings are famous for their multi layered levels of interpretation, attempts to reflect on the composers hidden love for men. ‚The Latvian maestro, the intriguingly performing orchestra, the smartly-chosen soloists, and director Stefan Herheim have succeeded in staging an extraordinary production‘ (Die Verdichter). ‚Stefan Herheim makes a great picture show out of Tchaikovskys Pique Madame‘ (NMZ). ‚A masterpiece‘ (Jener Standard).